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Abstract
This chapter explores the introduction of siege technology into the Greek world in the fifth century BC. Three factors appear crucial in the development of the machinery required to prosecute aggressive siege warfare beyond time-consuming and often intensive circumvallation. The first was the influence of the peoples beyond the Greek world, like the Carthaginians and Persians, behind which lay the Assyrians. Second, was the role of money and the coordination and centralisation this provided to Greek cities like Athens to prosecute bigger and more aggressive, intensive warfare. Third, and finally, the centralisation that political cohesion provided through the emergence of the polis (as at Athens) or through tyrants (Syracuse) or kings (the Macedonians) that ultimately enabled the prosecution of more professional and specialised warfare. This included technical siege warfare, enabling armies like those of the Macedonians to overcome walled cities like Tyre more quickly and effectively than previously possible.
Contributors are Garrett Fagan, Matthew Trundle, Fernando Rey, Robin Archer, Chris Tuplin, Hans Van Wees, Louis Rawlings, Peter Krentz, Nathan Rosenstein and David Potter
Contributors are Garrett Fagan, Matthew Trundle, Fernando Rey, Robin Archer, Chris Tuplin, Hans Van Wees, Louis Rawlings, Peter Krentz, Nathan Rosenstein and David Potter
Winner of the 2020 Choice Outstanding Academic Title Award
Winner of the 2020 Choice Outstanding Academic Title Award